A couple that trains together stays together, and go to the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) championship together.
In December Katy Slabber and Juan Matthee will head to Japan to compete in the IFBB World Women’s Championship and Men’s World Cup to represent South Africa among the world’s best bodybuilders.
Both are exercise specialists and owners of Science Flexion Personal Training Studio in Techno Park, Stellenbosch, and received their national colours in the sport. The duo has won the South African Mixed Pairs Division title five times and competed on the global stage last year, at the IFBB World Championships in Santa Susana, Barcelona, where they achieved fourth place.
“It takes years to become an overnight sensation,” Slabber (57) pointed out. After five years of competing Slabber was crowned the national women’s champion this year.
She started her journey with bodybuilding a decade ago and finished on the podium the last few years. However, the top spot alluded her until recently.
“You tell yourself: ‘I have a challenge, here we go’,” she said about staying motivated year after year. “But its a challenge that lasts 365 days. It is an extreme sport and every day counts. Every step, every rep, every cycle of sleep, every plate of food, just stick to it. It is an incredible challenge, but I wish it for everyone.”
Slabber always competed in karate, cycling and cardio sport, but in 2016 decided to try her hand at bodybuilding. Having a partner who understands commitment and discipline that comes with bodybuilding also seems to be key to Matthee and Slabber’s success.
The pair’s day starts at 02:30 followed by a cardio workout at 03:00 then they see clients, both at their studio and online, until breakfast at 10:00. The rest of the day includes work and weight training and the last meal of the day, around 18:00. Ideally they go to bed at 21:00.
Matthee said heading into a competition, such as the one in Japan, means they are focused. “Every small mistake one makes will count in the long run,” he explained. “One can look at chips or cooldrink and ask oneself how far this is going to take one away from one’s goal. Everything one does is a small step towards winning or maintaining a title, which means one has to be responsible.”
Although their lifestyle doesn’t leave much room to deviate from the schedule, the couple still enjoys off days with family and friends. They also enjoy going to bodybuilding shows when not competing.
When not getting themselves into tip-top shape Slabber and Matthee are helping their clients, who range from young athletes to the elderly.
Now with their sights set on the world championships in Japan the two are working hard to fund the trip. To compete both need more than R50 000 to cover the cost as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) doesn’t provide financial backing to these athletes. “We are incredibly proud to represent South Africa and aim to bring the title home this year,” said Slabber. “Any support, no matter how big or small, will help us on our journey to success.”
- For more information or to contribute to their campaign, phone Matthee on 072 443 6657 or Slabber on 079 604 4649.
